What can it do?

Welcome to the beta Arthritis Virtual Assistant. At the moment it can give you general information about your condition and medication, and provide you with useful exercises to help manage your arthritis.

Why do we need your help?

The Arthritis Virtual Assistant has been built to learn and improve with every use. That way, whenever you use it, you’re indirectly helping another person get the answers that they need for their arthritis.

What can you ask?

You'll get the best response if your question relates to a single type of arthritis, and is expressed as clearly and simply as possible. For example, "What are the best exercises for osteoarthritis?" or "What are the side effects of methotrexate?"

Are you sure you want to close your conversation?

Your conversation will not be visible the next time you visit the Arthritis Virtual Assistant. If you want to keep a copy of the advice you've been given, you can print it using the button at the top of the chat window.

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

The Arthritis Virtual Assistant (AVA) allows you to ask questions and get answers about your condition and how best to manage it. It’s based on over 80 years of our research and uses artificial intelligence to decide on the best responses to give you. The AVA is currently in ‘beta’ testing which means it’s still learning and will improve as more people use it.

The AVA provides general information. For further info, or if you have any concerns you should speak to a healthcare professional.

The AVA is intended for UK users. Medical practice may differ in different regions, so please seek local advice instead of using the AVA if you are outside the UK.

By using the AVA you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of use and consent to how we will use the information you provide.

Work and osteoarthritis

Most people with osteoarthritis are able to continue in their jobs, although you may need to make some changes to your working environments, especially if you have a physically demanding job. Speak to your employer’s occupational health service if they have one.

Your local Jobcentre Plus can put you in touch with Disability Employment Advisors who can arrange work assessments. They can advise you on changing the way you work and on equipment to help you to do your job more easily. They can also help with retraining for more suitable work.

Dealing with stress when you have osteoarthritis

Living with a long-term condition like osteoarthritis can lower your morale and may affect your sleep. It’s important to tackle problems like these as they could lead to depression and will certainly make the osteoarthritis more difficult to cope with.

It often helps to talk about negative feelings, so it could be useful to speak to your healthcare team, or your family and friends. Support groups are also available – your doctor may be able to tell you about organisations in your area.

Related information...

Having arthritis may pose some challenges in work, but your employer, Government programmes and other organisations can all provide support. There are also things you can do yourself to help make working life easier.

Take an in-depth look at how hydrotherapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy can help you with your arthritis. You'll find out what to expect, the benefits of each therapy and the referral process.

For more information, go to www.arthritisresearchuk.org.Arthritis Research UK fund research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritis. You can support Arthritis Research UK by volunteering, donating or visiting our shops.